OYS Council

The OYS Council centers the voices of young people who have experienced the juvenile justice system firsthand. By gathering youth representatives from across the community, the Council creates space for personal stories to shape conversations about reform. Members reflect on their own journeys, share insights with broader stakeholder groups, and help ensure that decisions affecting young people remain grounded in lived experience. This commitment to authentic youth participation strengthens the shared vision guiding ongoing collaboration throughout Douglas County.

Council members come together each month to coordinate their efforts and assess the impact of current initiatives. These gatherings provide a steady rhythm for planning events, exchanging updates, and refining approaches so that the group remains responsive to community needs. Beyond monthly meetings, the Council contributes policy input drawn directly from member experiences, offering decision-makers grounded perspectives that complement data and research. This blend of consistent engagement and practical guidance allows youth insight to flow steadily into working groups and steering committee priorities.

By fostering dialogue between youth, families, and local stakeholders, the Council helps weave a more coordinated approach to juvenile justice reform. Members act as a bridge between community conversations and the policy environment, ensuring that reform discussions remain inclusive and informed by those most affected. The collective voice cultivated through the Council supports trauma-informed practices, prevention-focused services, and a compassionate continuum of care. In doing so, the OYS Council advances a community-wide commitment to safety, accountability, and opportunity for every young person in Douglas County.